Paul Pelosi faces hit-and-run charge after alleged crash into parked car

The Napa County District Attorney announced on Friday that Paul Pelosi, the husband of former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is facing a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge. The charge stems from an incident in early July when he allegedly crashed into a parked vehicle and fled the scene.

Authorities said no passengers were in the struck car, but it sustained "major" damage. A spokesperson for the Pelosi family issued a statement to several outlets, saying Paul Pelosi apologized to the vehicle's owner and is taking responsibility for the damage.

Pelosi, 86, has also been charged with an infraction of making an unlawful turn related to the July 3 incident in Yountville, California. His arraignment is scheduled for August 14. A representative for Pelosi could not be immediately reached for comment.

Public records show Pelosi has a history of traffic violations in California dating back to at least 2011, including citations for failing to stop at a red light, a stop sign violation, and driving to the left of double yellow lines.

In 2022, Pelosi pleaded guilty to misdemeanor driving under the influence charges following a crash in Napa County. California Highway Patrol officers reported that Pelosi's speech was slurred and that they smelled a "strong odor of an alcoholic beverage." He was sentenced to five days in jail and three years of probation.

The Napa County District Attorney's office said Pelosi is not being charged with a DUI this time because no evidence has been presented to indicate he was impaired. "The district attorney's office has an ethical obligation to file only those charges that can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt based on the available evidence," the statement read.

Body cam footage of the alleged hit-and-run will not be released to the public until the conclusion of the case to preserve Pelosi's right to a fair trial should that stage be reached, the DA's office said.